Second Court Date for First Offense Shoplifting
My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Mexico
I was arrested for shoplifting on Oct at a Walmart. It was my first offense I am 23 yrs old and I know it was very stupid. when stopped by LP when I was leaving they told me they had followed me on surveillance and watched me put some things in my purse. I was very scared so I told them I was sorry and I offered to pay for what I had taken of they would let me go ( i didn't have any money so i would overdraft in my credit card) they just ignored me when I talked and then the police got there and arrested me and I spent the night in a detention center and they released me with a court date. I went to court without consulting with an attorney before that and I wasn't sure of what to do so I asked the judge for her input and she didn't help so I pleaded no contest because I was obviously guilty and i thought that pleading not guilty would get me in trouble. I wasn't given any sentence or conviction yet I was given a second court date for Jan 2010 and now I don't know what to do.
I don't have the money to hire an attorney but I don't qualify for a public defender because apparently you basically have to be on the street for them to believe your broke. I don't know how I can consult with somebody for advice I really don't know what to do now. Can I change my plea?? should I expect jail time?? how much do I have to pay?? what do I say since I don't have an attorney and I would like to get the lesser conviction there is?? please help! LP didn't tell me what the amount was but I over heard them talking and heard $47 (i don't think it could've been any more than that)
Re: Second Court Date for First Offense Shoplifting
First, there is a lot of information in the three stickied threads at the top of this page.
You can expect a Civil Demand to arrive in the mail. this needs to be paid ASAP. Not paying can result in lawsuit which will easily triple the amount. And affect your credit history.
You can expect court costs and fines. You should never have plead "no contest"...that leaves the judges hands tied as to sentencing...
I wonder if someone more experienced/knowledgable can advise you as to if you can change your plea?
Also, do you have any sort of prior record?
Re: Second Court Date for First Offense Shoplifting
I have not received anything in the mail yet but also at the store when LP was taking my info they didn't really ask me anything so I'm guessing they might have put down the address on my DL which is not my current address and No I have no prior record this is my first arrest ever
Re: Second Court Date for First Offense Shoplifting
You should try to borrow money or alteast speak to a lawyer some offer a free consulation. It's best to plead not guilty(it's common even though your guilty,and normal some type of plea deal is offered). You can try and ask the da or judge about a diversion program. It's better to have a lawyer so you don't screw yourself. I would guess your most likely looking at a fine and/or probation,probably not jail time.
Re: Second Court Date for First Offense Shoplifting
Dude, if you knowingly let them copy down an incorrect address which is where they WILL have sent your court date info, you need to call the county court house to give them your correct address.
And yes, change your plea to not guilty if you can.